Saglovich: 'Impossible to maintain a partnership with Arab parties after 7/10? It is absurd and false'

The Ra'am party announced on Monday evening that former Deputy Minister of Public Security Yoav Saglovich will join its ranks. According to a joint statement by Saglovich and party chairman Mansour Abbas, Saglovich is expected to be placed second on the party's list for the upcoming Knesset elections.

Mansour Abbas stated: "To create change, you need civil partnership. Ra'am is not afraid of change; it promotes it. In the government of change, I met a partner who came from a professional background. We worked with Saglovich day by day to eradicate crime in the Arab sector. What we are offering is the only way the state has successfully combated crime."

According to the Ra'am chairman, the public faces a clear choice: returning to the decision-making table or remaining on the opposition benches. "Ra'am has chosen to return to the government with the violence and crime portfolio, alongside the man who managed this struggle with us and proved his effectiveness—Yoav Saglovich. This is a serious decision," he added.

Yoav Saglovich addressed his decision to join the Ra'am list: "There is a complicated history between Arabs and Jews in this country, but there is a common future. The Declaration of Independence is a compass. Is it possible to create political cooperation between people so different? I believe so. I do not intend to change Mansour and Ra'am, and they will not change me, but it is possible to cooperate politically on the basis of trust and recognition of differences."

He further emphasized: "It is impossible to lead a correction in the country without connection, including political connection. I want to break the paradigm of borders and discourse lines. I am joining Ra'am personally. The common saying that after October 7th it is impossible to maintain a political partnership with Arab parties is absurd and false."

Saglovich, 67, previously headed the police investigations division and was elected to the Knesset as part of the 'Yesh Atid' list. As Deputy Minister of Public Security, he led the campaign against crime in Arab society, achieving notable results before the program was canceled by Minister Itamar Ben Gvir following the formation of the current government.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid addressed the move in an interview with Galei Tzahal: "I think Saglovich is wrong to join Ra'am. We had long conversations on this subject. But at least he is doing what he believes in, and I appreciate him for that."